Police calling for witnesses of aggravated burglary suspect

Counties Manukau Police are investigating an aggravated
burglary in Papatoetoe where an elderly woman was tied up in
her own home.

At about 1pm on Wednesday 8 January, a man
wearing a balaclava and holding a knife entered the house as
the woman opened the back door to collect laundry. The
woman was home alone at the time. The house was ransacked
for jewellery and cash while the woman was tied up with a
scarf and bedsheet.

Police are appealing for information
from the public which can help towards apprehending the
offender in this violent crime.

"We are appalled at the
violent nature of this crime during broad daylight," says
Detective Sergeant Simon Beal of Counties Manukau CIB. "Any
information from members of the public regarding this
incident will be vital to the investigation."

The area of
interest is Papatoetoe, particularly the streets of Huia Rd,
Stonex Rd, Bernard St and Kimpton Rd. Anyone who has seen
any suspicious behaviour in these streets between midday and
4pm yesterday should call Police immediately. At this stage
the only description on the offender is a man wearing a
balaclava but residents or motorists who were in the area at
the time and saw anything out of the ordinary should contact
Police.

Anyone with information can call Detective
Sergeant Simon Beal of the Counties Manukau CIB on 09 261
1321. Information can also be provided anonymously to the
organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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